December is in full swing and it's time to make merry and spread some holiday cheer. So today I have the prettiest of things picked out for y'all, plus a link to an amazing giveaway.

First up, 6 charming gifts to package and wrap. I'm swooning over these items, and have already added them to my personal wishlist. I doubt anything would give me more pleasure than receiving these particular gifts, in fact I would be simply giddy. Because I truly believe it's better to give than receive, and all 6 of these pretties are made with love and the spirit of giving back. Read about their stories here, here, here, here, and here. There are oodles and oodles of fabulous vendors out there that generously give back, but these are some of my favorites. It's gift giving in the best way...and a chance to give a little back.

And in the spirit of giving, are you ready for the most generous giveaway? I am super excited to share this giveaway with y'all. My sweet friend Florence, from MadeByFirenze is hosting her second annual blog wishes. An a-maz-ing giveaway where YOU get to pick the prize! And if that wasn't exciting enough, for every entry she receives she is going to donate half of that dollar amount to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and half to the charity of the winner’s choice. So the more entries, the bigger the donation. I adore this idea and wish I had thought of it first!To enter simply visit her site, and post your wishlist item in the comments below. I am wishing for a pretty pair of Noonday earrings (I have a wee obsession) and donating to help their cause.

If you follow my blog, then you know I L.O.V.E Dowdy Studio. I'm a huge fan of all things unique, quirky, and eclectic. Dowdy is right there with Anthroplogie as one my favorite shopping destinations.

Saturday was their holiday studio party and for those of y'all who didn't show, shame on you because you totally missed out - free beer, snacks, a tee bar, and a merry giveaway! The minute we walked into the studio me and the hubby made a B line to the giveaway, entering to win our very own Dowdy t-shirt to be delivered by Christmas. And just in case Santa's elves don't make it to my doorstep with a holiday package - I ordered myself a custom shirt at their tee bar. A navy blue tee with Shave the Whales printed in white. I call it "The Exploding Pirate". It's pretty snazzy and it's one of kind y'all, that's right ladies and gents I am the only lady with this tee! I also snagged a couple of gifts for some lucky ladies in my life! Can't wait to do some gifting this week!

We also headed over to Napkin Arts Studio to check out some of Jonathan's creations. He had some hot Dr. Pepper brewing and some awesome Christmas records playing to get us in a Christmasy mood. While I didn't try any of the hot Dr. Pepper, I did purchase myself some really fabulous ‘Scooter Holiday’ greeting cards. Seriously love me some of his screen printed amazingness.

Not to worry if you missed out, the wagon is all around the town and if you're too lazy to track them down, head over to their etsy store and do a little on-line shopping. Be sure to check out Napkin Arts Studio store too!

Happy Friday y'all! It's going to be another lovely weekend in Dallas, be sure to check out these local happenings around the city:

Celebrate the holidays Dowdy style at their studio on December 15th, from 4-9pm. Enjoy an collection of nativity scenes and real live reindeer at Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum. A bit of good, old fashioned holiday cheer during the Candlelight event at Dallas Heritage Village. Grab some hot chocolate, snuggle up on the couch with The Holiday Issue of D Magazine. Spend some time outside at Kyle Warren Park's holiday celebration in the park.

Some people are amazing, and my lovely friend Florence is one of the most benevolent, gracious, and wonderful people I've ever met. Her peaceful and compassionate personality is completely infectious and I am so incredibly lucky to have her as a friend. I've talked about her before on Lavender + Pink (here and here), but you really should take the time and check out her darling blog, MadeByFirenze.

This week, she is bequeathing a super fabulous gift to one lucky reader, and I couldn't resist entering her giveaway! In addition, for every entry she receives she is going to donate half of that dollar amount to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and half to the charity of the winner’s choice. I love this.

With such a selfless giveaway, I felt a little narcissistic selecting a gift for myself. In the end, I decided on a gift for my little home. I recently got married to the coolest man around, and I’m in love with our Dallas apartment. However, it’s our first time cohabiting together so our walls are a little sparse. Today, I am wishing for a little Anthropologie piece to hang up - to be exact a Handpainted Still Life Monogram “C”.

Wouldn't it be awesome if I won this giveaway and some money is donated to my favorite local charity (Paws in the City)?! Crossing my fingers!

Once upon a time I really disliked antique malls, flea markets, and thrift stores. As a child I found them cluttered and dirty - which is odd because I didn't grow in a house that implanted that idea in my head. As a matter of fact, my mother is the BEST bargain shopper I've ever met. She just has a knack for finding hidden treasures and I guess it took 20+ years for me to truly appreciate the fabulousness that is antique malls, flea markets, and thrift stores. I stumbled across Lula B's shortly after moving downtown. Cool Stuff for Cool People? Check and double check. Located in Deep Ellum, Lula B's is filled with vintage loveliness and I could probably spend hours wandering through this two-storied gem.